Alexcritter, I'm a lawyer, but not in NC. Still, I think you're a real trooper, and am crossing my fingers for your success.
As for Cary, I agree with the poster that more preparation was necessary, such as information that other cities address the distances coops should be from homes, and that other cities do not find that 40,000 square foot lots are necessary. This documentation could have rebutted the ridiculous comments of Portman and Frantz. The info someone posted earlier on other city statutes, and their parameters was excellent. Why should Cary council members be more arbitrary in their decisions on this issue, than say, Austin or Portland?
They, at least didn't nix it, just nixed looking into it at this time. Maybe a good lesson for others looking at this issue..come with lots of documentation, and KNOW your material. Take copies of other citie's ordinances and hand them out to council members. Practice your spiel in front of a mirror, until you're not nervous. Also, since it was apparently so late in the session, that the council members were not dealing with the issue as seriously and intelligently as the issue deserved, someone should have asked to table the issue until the next regular meeting.
The quote from the Frantz guy is a beaut. As if the potential of "smell, noise, and predators," is lessened on 5 acres. And, really, any domestic animal could potentially cause "smell, noise and predators." He obviously cares little about the citizens' property rights, yet thinks highly of his own statements, which were not even well though out. What arrogance! Oh well, you know the old saying, "Don't get mad, get even." Looks like they only lost a battle in Cary, though, not the war.
Anyone out there have any luck convincing an HOA to chang their restrictions to allow chickens? We may be re-locating to Houston, and I'm finding very little acreage homes within a reasonable driving distance (under an hour), that aren't heavily restricted. I cannot understand why these HOA restrictions will allow a horse, but restrict having even one chicken. I have 12 Delawares I do not want to leave behind.
I think it's wonderful, that so many people on this great forum really want to change the prejudices local governments and property owners associations have against raising chickens. Some of these ordinances and restrictions simply defy logic.
As for Cary, I agree with the poster that more preparation was necessary, such as information that other cities address the distances coops should be from homes, and that other cities do not find that 40,000 square foot lots are necessary. This documentation could have rebutted the ridiculous comments of Portman and Frantz. The info someone posted earlier on other city statutes, and their parameters was excellent. Why should Cary council members be more arbitrary in their decisions on this issue, than say, Austin or Portland?
They, at least didn't nix it, just nixed looking into it at this time. Maybe a good lesson for others looking at this issue..come with lots of documentation, and KNOW your material. Take copies of other citie's ordinances and hand them out to council members. Practice your spiel in front of a mirror, until you're not nervous. Also, since it was apparently so late in the session, that the council members were not dealing with the issue as seriously and intelligently as the issue deserved, someone should have asked to table the issue until the next regular meeting.
The quote from the Frantz guy is a beaut. As if the potential of "smell, noise, and predators," is lessened on 5 acres. And, really, any domestic animal could potentially cause "smell, noise and predators." He obviously cares little about the citizens' property rights, yet thinks highly of his own statements, which were not even well though out. What arrogance! Oh well, you know the old saying, "Don't get mad, get even." Looks like they only lost a battle in Cary, though, not the war.
Anyone out there have any luck convincing an HOA to chang their restrictions to allow chickens? We may be re-locating to Houston, and I'm finding very little acreage homes within a reasonable driving distance (under an hour), that aren't heavily restricted. I cannot understand why these HOA restrictions will allow a horse, but restrict having even one chicken. I have 12 Delawares I do not want to leave behind.
I think it's wonderful, that so many people on this great forum really want to change the prejudices local governments and property owners associations have against raising chickens. Some of these ordinances and restrictions simply defy logic.
